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Tinea versicolor: Overview


What is tinea versicolor?

Also called pityriasis versicolor

We all have yeast living on our skin. When yeast grows out of control, a person can get a skin disease called tinea versicolor.

Your dermatologist may tell you that you have a fungal infection on your skin. Yeast is a type of fungus.

Many people get tinea versicolor. It is one of the most common skin diseases in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. People who live in tropical areas may have tinea versicolor year-round.

Tinea versicolor

It is not harmful, but many people dislike the way it discolors their skin.

Tinea versicolor spots on the skin

Image
Image used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

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